The small figure in the chair blinked sadly and said, “I was a-trying to be bootiful.”Her mother said, “I’m so mad I could spit. How could she have done that? Mandy Sue, I’m going to paddle your fanny good when I get you home.”I turned to the woman and smiled. “This happens every day of the year. Trust me. We can fix it. She’ll look fine, and I bet she’ll never do it again, will you, Mandy Sue?”The tiny tot shook her head. “Never. Not ever.”To Taffy I said, “I think if you part her hair on the other side, the longer hair will cover the nearly bald spot.”“Great idea.” Taffy nodded. “Come on, young lady. Let’s take you over to a sink so I can wash your hair. Which do you like best, strawberries or mango?”“Berries.”“Good. We have a shampoo that smells like fresh berries.”I escorted her mother to the waiting area and showed her how to make herself a caramel latte. Once the mom had a copy of Vogue in one hand and the drink in the other, she settled down.
